What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing After Hiatal Hernia Correction?

Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015

Question: I recently have been having problems with GERD, my dr suggested a number of test and after that I was told that the flap from the esophagus going into the stomach was not closing and needed to be repaired and also I had a hernia that needed repair. So I went into the hospital and had the surgery. Just found out that a sleeve was put on the esophagus to repair everything. This was July 20, and since this time I have not been able to eat any solid foods and the things I am eating get halfway down and stop. This past Friday night I had to go to the ER so I could be scoped and they had to pull food from the stomach area that wouldn't go any further. Can you please explain this to me? Very confused.

Answered by Dr. Amit Jain (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This may be due to tight or long wrap

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

I am a Gastroenterologist (DM). Sad to listen that. I will like to give you little bit details of the surgery so that you can understand the things well. Surgery for GERD is fundoplication, in this surgeon wraps the top part of the stomach around the lower part of the esophagus and sews it in place that tightens the lower esophagus and thus prevent acid from moving from the stomach into the esophagus and causing acid reflux. Now after surgery you have developed dysphagia, this may happen after surgery although rare is due to very tight fundoplication that is tight wrap. So I will advise you to visit your treating doctor who has operated upon you. He may either have to revise the surgery, or may dilate with oesophageal dilator. Meanlwhile take liquid diets.
I hope I have answered your query and this will help you. If you have any further query I will be happy to answer that too. Remain in touch and get-well soon.

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad